White House set to defend stimulus funding by highlighting programs

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Construction workers move a piece of concrete wall with a crane in July as work continues on the first phase of the stimulus-funded Exposition Light Rail Transit Line that will connect downtown Los Angeles and Culver City.

WASHINGTON — The White House is to issue a report Friday defending its $814 billion stimulus program by highlighting 100 projects it says are creating jobs and growing the economy.

Vice President Joe Biden is due to unveil the report, which details programs such as the rehabilitation of New York's Staten Island Ferry Terminal, cutting a new highway in Ohio and building a trio of battery factories in Michigan.

Republicans cite a nearly 10 percent unemployment rate in arguing that the stimulus has been a costly failure.

A White House official released details Thursday on just 20 of the 100 projects.

The official did so on condition of anonymity because the full report, "100 Recovery Act Projects That Are Changing America," had not been formally released.

The report highlights $175 million being spent by The New York City Department of Transportation to rehabilitate eight vehicular bridges, one pedestrian bridge and one parking lot that provides commuters with access to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.

Jobs boostThe report says more than 120 people work on the project and that it has given a boost to the local economy.